Joseph Bologne was born December 25, 1745 in the French West Indies. He was the illegitimate child of his father, Georges Bologne de Saint-Georges, and his slave, Nanon. Joseph was sent to France at age 7 and enrolled in a Jesuit boarding school. As he grew up, he excelled in horsemanship and fencing. He was made a Chevalier in 1761, afterwards being known as the Chevalier Saint-Georges. He had an amazing affinity for violin, creating wonderful compositions and playing with some well-known musicians of the time.

I had heard of this man on a history podcast that I had listened to, and familiarized myself with some of his works. I love violin and string quartet music, as well as opera, so this seemed right up my alley. The book was interesting, informative, and well written. It was not boring or dry like some biographies tend to be, but I am sure all of the interesting things that Chevalier de Saint-Georges did in his life helped make that easy for the author. This was a great find at the used bookstore, and I am really glad that I got it.